U.S. patent number 5,116,297 [Application Number 07/663,569] was granted by the patent office on 1992-05-26 for weight-lifting machine.
Invention is credited to William L. Stonecipher.
United States Patent |
5,116,297 |
Stonecipher |
May 26, 1992 |
Weight-lifting machine
Abstract
A weight-lifting machine having engaging means such as a barbell
that is advanceable by a use both vertically and horizontally. The
weight-lifting machine includes a base and a vertical support
structure extending upward therefrom. A pair of first pivotal
members are pivotally secured to the vertical support structure at
an upper end thereof. Each of a pair of second pivotal members are
pivotally connected to each of the first pivotal members and
engaging means such as a barbell, curl-bar or handles are removably
securable to the second pivotal members. Through the cooperation of
the pivotal action of the first pivotal members and the second
pivotal members, a user may grasp or otherwise engage the
engagement means and advance the engagement means through
simultaneous vertical and horizontal motion. Telescoping beams
extending from the vertical support structure to the second pivotal
members restrict the range of pivotal motion of the second pivotal
members and provide resistance to the pivoting of the second
pivotal members so as to provide greater control to a user.
Inventors: |
Stonecipher; William L.
(Overland Park, KS) |
Family
ID: |
24662396 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/663,569 |
Filed: |
March 4, 1991 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/97;
482/137 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
21/0615 (20130101); A63B 21/08 (20130101); A63B
21/4047 (20151001); A63B 21/4035 (20151001); A63B
2208/0204 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
21/06 (20060101); A63B 021/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;272/117,118,123,134 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Bahr; Robert
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Litman, McMahon & Brown
Claims
What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as
follows:
1. A weight-lifting machine comprising:
(a) a base having a front and a rear;
(b) a pair of vertical support members extending vertically upward
from said rear of said base in spaced relation to each other;
(c) a pair of first pivotal members pivotally secured at a first
set of pivot points to respective vertical support members so as to
extend towards said front of said base in planar alignment and so
as to be pivotal about a first horizontal axis extending through
said first set of pivot points;
(d) a first cross-member secured to and extending between said
first pivotal members so as to maintain said first members in
planar alignment;
(e) a pair of second pivotal members pivotally securable at a
second set of pivot points positioned on respective pivotal members
in spaced relation to said first set of pivot points so as to allow
said second pivotal members to pivot about a second horizontal axis
extending through said second set of pivot points;
(f) engaging means for engagement by a user of said machine;
(g) means for securing said engaging means to said second pivotal
members; said second pivotal members cooperating with said first
pivotal member such that said engaging means may be engaged by a
user and advanced through a range of motions having a horizontal
component and a vertical component;
(h) a pair of telescoping beams each pivotally connected at a first
end thereof to respective vertical support members and at a second
end thereof to respective second pivotal members;
(i) a second cross-member secured to and extending between said
telescoping beams so as to maintain said first telescoping beams in
planar alignment; and
(j) weight support means secured to said weight-lifting machine in
spaced relationship to said first set of pivot points and adapted
to removably receive a plurality of weights so as to vary the
weight to be lifted by a user.
2. The weight-lifting machine as described in claim 1 further
comprising:
(a) a first stop and a second stop secured to respective first
pivotal members and extending into a rotational path of second
pivotal members so as to engage said second pivotal members and
prevent said second pivotal members for rotating therebeyond.
3. A weight-lifting machine comprising:
(a) vertical support means;
(b) a first pivotal member pivotally securable about a first pivot
point on said vertical support means so as to allow said first
pivotal member to pivot about a first horizontal axis extending
through said first pivot point;
(c) a second pivotal member pivotally securable at a second pivot
point positioned on said first pivot member in spaced relation to
said first pivot point so as to allow said second pivotal member to
pivot about a second horizontal axis extending through said second
pivot point;
(d) engaging means for engagement by a user of said machine;
(e) means for securing said engaging means to said second pivotal
member; said second pivotal member cooperating with said first
pivotal member such that said engaging means may be engaged by a
user and advanced through a range of motions having a horizontal
component and a vertical component;
(f) weight support means secured to said weight-lifting machine in
spaced relationship to said first pivot point and adapted to
removably receive a plurality of weights so as to vary the weight
to be life by a user; and
(g) stop means for restricting a range of motion of said second
pivotal member about said second pivot point;
(h) said stop means comprising a telescoping beam pivotally
connected at a first end of said telescoping beam to said vertical
support means and at a second end of said telescoping beam to said
second pivotal member.
4. The weight-lifting machine as disclosed in claim 3 further
comprising:
(a) a base; and
(b) said vertical support means extending vertically upward from
said base.
5. A weight-lifting machine comprising:
(a) vertical support means;
(b) a first pivotal member pivotally securable to about first pivot
point on said vertical support means so as to allow said first
pivotal member to pivot about a first horizontal axis extending
through said first pivot point;
(c) a second pivotal member pivotally securable at a second pivot
point positioned on said first pivotal member in spaced relation to
said first pivot point so as to allow said second pivotal member to
pivot about a second horizontal axis extending through said second
pivot point;
(d) engaging means for engagement by a user of said machine;
(e) means for securing said engaging means to said second pivotal
member; said second pivotal member cooperating with said first
pivotal member such that said engaging means may be engaged by a
user and advanced through a range of motions having a horizontal
component and a vertical component;
(f) weight support means secured to said weight-lifting machine in
spaced relationship to said first pivot pint and adapted to
removably receive a plurality of weights so as to vary the weight
to be life by a user;
(g) resistance means for resisting pivoting of said second pivotal
member about said second pivot point;
(h) said resistance means comprising a telescoping beam pivotally
connected at a first end of said telescoping beam to said vertical
support means and at a second end of said telescoping beam to said
second pivotal member.
6. The weight-lifting machine as discloses in claim 5 further
comprising:
(a) a base; and
(b) said vertical support means extending vertically upward from
said base.
7. A weight-lifting machine comprising:
(a) a base having a front and a rear;
(b) a pair of vertical support members extending vertically upward
from said rear of said base in spaced relation to each other;
(c) a pair of first pivotal members pivotally secured at a first
set of pivot points to respective vertical support members so as to
extend towards said front of said base in planar alignment and so
as to be pivotal about a first horizontal axis extending through
said first set of pivot points;
(d) a pair of second pivotal members pivotally securable at a
second set of pivot points positioned on respective first pivotal
members respectively in spaced relation to said first set of pivot
points so as to allow said second pivotal members to pivot about a
second horizontal axis extending through said second set of pivot
points;
(e) engaging means for engagement by a user of said machine;
(f) means for securing said engaging means to said second pivotal
members; said second pivotal members cooperating with said pivotal
members such that said engaging means may be engaged by a user and
advanced through a range of motions including a horizontal
component and a vertical component;
(g) weight support means secured to said weight-lifting machine in
spaced relationship to said first set of pivot points and adapted
to removably receive a plurality of weights so as to vary the
weight to be lifted by a user; and
(h) resistance means for resisting pivoting of said second pivoting
members about said second horizontal axis;
(i) said resistance means comprising a pair of telescoping beams
pivotally connected at a first end thereof to respective vertical
support members and at a second end thereof to respective second
pivotal members.
8. The weight-lifting machine as described in claim 7 further
comprising:
(a) a first cross-member secured to and extending between said
first pivotal members and so as to maintain said first pivotal
members in planar alignment; and
(b) a second cross-member secured to and extending between said
telescoping beam members so as to maintain said telescoping beam
members in planar alignment.
9. A weight-lifting machine comprising:
(a) a base having a front and a rear;
(b) a pair of vertical support members extending vertically upward
from said rear of said base in spaced relation to each other;
(c) a pair of first pivotal members pivotally secured at a first
set of pivot points to respective vertical support members so as to
extend towards said front of said base in planar alignment and so
as to be pivotal about a first horizontal axis extending through
said first set of pivot points;
(d) a pair of second pivotal members pivotally securable at a
second st of pivot points positioned on respective first pivotal
members respectively in spaced relation to said first set of pivot
points so as to allow said second pivotal members to pivot about a
second horizontal axis extending through said second set of pivot
points;
(e) engaging means for engagement by a user of said machine;
(f) means for securing said engaging means to said second pivotal
members; said second pivotal members cooperating with said pivotal
members such that said engaging means may be engaged by a user and
advanced through a range of motions including a horizontal
component and a vertical component;
(g) weight support means secured to said weight-lifting machine in
spaced relationship to said first set of pivot points and adapted
to removably receive a plurality of weights so as to vary the
weight to be lifted by a user; and
(h) stop means for restricting a range of motion of said second
pivotal members about said second horizontal axis;
(i) said stop means comprising a pair of telescoping beams
pivotally connected at a first end thereof to said respective
vertical support members and at a second end thereof to said second
pivotal members.
10. The weight-lifting machine as described in claim 9 further
comprising:
(a) a first cross-member secured to and extending between said
first pivotal members and so as to maintain said first pivotal
members in planar alignment; and
(b) a second cross-member secured to and extending between said
telescoping beam members so as to maintain said telescoping beam
members in planar alignment.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a single station weight-lifting
machine.
Weight-lifting exercises have become an increasingly popular means
for improving strength, muscle tone and overall fitness. The
standard barbell and weight set, commonly referred to as free
weights, is one of the more basic yet often preferred
weight-lifting systems due to the generally free range of motions
allowed during use and the natural feel of exercises using free
weights.
A significant disadvantage to free weight systems is the need for a
spotter during some exercises. Spotters can help prevent exercisers
from accidentally dropping weights due to fatigue or loss of
balance. Spotters can also assist in lifting the weight as the
lifter becomes fatigued so that the lifter may complete more
repetitions of a fixed weight. If a spotter is not available, the
extent of the workout may be significantly reduced. Free weight
systems often accommodate only those exercises that can be
accomplished with the exerciser holding onto the barbell or
dumbbell.
Many exercise devices have been developed that eliminate the need
for a spotter and allow an exerciser to work muscles that can not
be worked using a free weight system. Many such devices comprise a
weight adjustable lever that may be moved through a single arcuate
motion. An exerciser using such a device is forced to limit his or
her exercises to those incorporating the arcuate motion of the
device. Other devices specifically isolate a particular motion and
allow the user to focus on exercising the muscles associated with
that motion. Devices such as these which are directed to exercising
specific muscle groups are impractical for most household use due
to the large number of machines that would be required to obtain a
comprehensive Workout.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a weight-lifting machine which
allows the user to advance a barbell or other engaging means
through a wide range of motions. The weight-lifting machine
includes a base formed from two elongate base members spaced apart
in parallel alignment by a crossmember. A pair of vertically
extending support members extend upwardly from the elongate base
members at a rearward end of the base.
Each of a pair of first pivotal members is pivotally connected at
one end to an upper end of a respective vertically extending
support member so as to form a first set of pivot points. The first
pivotal members extend towards a front end of the base in parallel
alignment and pivot about a horizontal axis extending through the
first set of pivot points. A cross-member extends between the first
pivotal members to provide structural rigidity and to maintain the
first pivotal members in parallel and planar alignment.
Each of a pair of second pivotal members is pivotally connected at
an upper end thereof to each of the first pivotal members so as to
form a second set of pivot points spaced apart from the first set
of pivot points. The second pivotal members pivot about a
horizontal axis extending through the second set of pivot
points.
Each second pivotal member comprises an upper arm and a lower arm
angled apart from each other at an obtuse angle. Linearly aligned
apertures extend through each of the second pivotal members in both
the upper arms and the lower arms. The linearly aligned apertures
are adapted to receive engaging means such as a barbell or handles
which a user may engage or grasp in order to perform a
weight-lifting exercise. The cooperation of the second pivotal
members pivoting about the second set of pivot points and the first
pivotal members pivoting about the first set of pivot points allows
a user to advance the engaging means such as a barbell through a
wide range of motions each having a vertical component and a
horizontal component.
Each of a pair of telescoping beam members is pivotally connected
at one end to each of the vertically extending support members and
at an opposite end to a respective second pivotal member. The
telescoping beam members function as stop means restricting the
range of rotation of the second pivotal members with respect to the
first pivotal members. The telescoping beam members also function
as resistance means resisting rotation of the second pivotal
members about the second pivot points so as to improve user
control. The telescoping beam members are maintained in parallel
and planar alignment with respect to each other by a cross-member
extending therebetween. The telescoping beam members also generally
extend in spaced and parallel alignment below respective first
pivotal members.
Each telescoping beam member comprises an extension member
slidingly received within an outer sleeve member. Each outer sleeve
member is pivotally connected to a respective vertically extending
support member and each extension member is pivotally connected to
a lower end of the upper arm of a respective second pivotal member.
The extension members are slidingly advanceable from a fully
retracted position to a fully extended position such that in the
fully retracted position the upper arms of the second pivotal
members generally extend vertically and in the full extended
position the upper arms of the second pivotal members are angled
outwardly away from the rear of the weight-lifting machine.
Weight support posts are secured on the first pivotal members and
the cross-member extending therebetween. Various combinations of
free weights may be secured on the weight support posts to vary the
weight to be lifted by a user. Spring loaded shock absorbers are
pivotally connected at one end to each of the first pivotal members
and at an opposite end to the elongate base members. The spring
loaded shock absorbers prevent the first pivotal members from
rotating below a certain point and absorb the impact when a user
releases the engaging means.
The wide range of motions through which the engaging means such as
a barbell may be advanced allows an exerciser to perform a wide
range of exercises with the weight-lifting machine.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
Therefore the principal objects and advantages of the present
invention are: to provide a weight-lifting machine that may be used
to perform a wide range of weight-lifting exercises; to provide
such a machine that allows a user to exercise a wide range of
muscles and muscle groups; to provide such a machine that allows a
user to perform such weight-lifting exercises without the
assistance of a spotter; to provide such a machine that allows a
user to move a grasping means, such as a barbell, through a wide
range of motions; to provide such a machine that allows a user to
advance the grasping means through a range of motions which include
both a vertical component and a horizontal component; to provide
such a machine which in use closely approximates the feel of using
a freeweight system; to provide such a machine that allows the user
to vary the amount of weight lifted.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
weight-lifting machine that is relatively compact; to provide such
a machine that is particularly well adapted for home use; and to
provide such a machine that is relatively lightweight and durable;
to provide such a device that is relatively inexpensive to make,
easy to manufacture and especially well adapted for the intended
usage thereof.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent
from the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration
and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include
exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate
various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a weight-lifting machine embodying
the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the weight-lifting
machine.
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the weight-lifting machine
indicating a portion of a range of motion of the weight-lifting
machine.
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the weight-lifting
machine.
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the weight-lifting machine.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view of the
weight-lifting machine taken generally along line 6--6 in FIG. 2
and particularly showing a spring loaded shook absorber.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the weight-lifting
apparatus showing the positionability of free weights thereon.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the weight-lifting
machine with portions broken away to show interior detail thereof
and indicating the range of motion of the weight-lifting
machine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are
disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which
may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure.
Referring to the drawings in more detail, the reference numeral 1
represents a weight-lifting machine of the present invention. The
weight-lifting machine 1 generally comprises a base 2, an upright
support structure 3 extending upwardly from the base 2 and a
pivotal, telescoping framework 4 pivotally secured to the upright
support structure 3.
The base 2 includes a front 10 and a rear 11 and comprises a pair
of base members 14 and a medial base cross member 16 each
constructed of square tubing. The base members 14 are aligned in
parallel and spaced relation. The medial base cross member 16
extends between the base members 14 generally medially thereto so
as to maintain the base members 14 in parallel alignment and to
provide structural integrity. A base plate 18 extends between and
is secured to the base members 14 at the front 10 of the base
2.
The upright support structure 3 generally comprises a pair of
vertical support members 22 secured to and extending upwardly in
perpendicular alignment to respective base members 14 at the rear
11 of the base 2 so as to extend in parallel alignment with respect
to each other. Each of a pair of angled brace members 25 extends at
an angle from each vertical support member 22 to a respective base
member 14 so as to provide structural support. A second cross
member 28 extends horizontally between the vertical support members
22.
Each vertical support member 22 comprises a lower outer sleeve
section 31 and an upper inner sleeve section 32. A lower portion of
the upper inner sleeve section 32 is secured within an upper
portion of the lower outer sleeve section 31. It is foreseen that
the upper inner sleeve section 32 may be slidably advanceable
within the lower outer sleeve section 31 so that the length or
height of the vertical support members 22 would be selectively
adjustable.
The pivotal, telescoping framework 4 generally comprises a pair of
first pivotal members 40, a pair of second pivotal members 42 and a
pair of telescoping members 44. The first pivotal members 40 are
each pivotally connected at one end thereof to an upper end of a
respective vertical support member 22 so as to be pivotal about a
first horizontal axis extending through a first set of linearly
aligned pivot points 54. A third cross-member 56 extends between
the vertical support members 22 generally along the first
horizontal axis.
The first pivotal members 40 are formed of square tubing and extend
in planar and parallel alignment generally towards the front 10 of
the base 2. A fourth cross member 60 extends between the pivotal
members 40 in perpendicular alignment so as to maintain the first
pivotal members 40 in parallel and planar alignment.
The second pivotal members 42 are formed of rectangular tubing and
each includes an upper arm 64 and a lower arm 65. Each lower arm 65
extends at a obtuse angle with respect to a respective upper arm
64. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the angle
between the upper arms 64 and respective lower arms 65 is
approximately 135.degree..
Upper ends 66 of the upper arms 64 of the second pivotal members 42
are pivotally secured to a respective first pivotal member 40 at a
second set of pivot points 70 such that the second pivotal members
42 are pivotal about a second horizontal axis extending through the
second set of pivot points 70. The second pivotal members 42 are
generally pivotally secured near ends 72 of the first pivotal
members 40 spaced away from the upright support structure 3.
A plurality of apertures 75 extend through each of the second
pivotal members 42 such that the apertures 75 of one second pivotal
member 42 are linearly aligned with the apertures 75 of the other
second pivotal member 42. The linearly aligned apertures 75 serve
as engaging means securement means. Engaging means, such as handles
80 or barbell 81, as shown in FIG. 1, are removably securable
within linearly aligned apertures 75. The handles 80 or barbell 81
are positioned within linearly aligned apertures 75 and secured in
place with collars 82. In the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, five pairs of linearly aligned apertures 75 extend
through the upper arms 64 of the second pivotal member 42 and five
pairs of linearly aligned apertures extend through the lower arms
65 thereof. The handles 80, barbell 81 or other engaging means not
shown, such as a curl bar, are securable to various pairs of
linearly aligned apertures 75 depending on such factors as the type
of exercise to be performed, the size of the user and the rang of
motion sought.
The cooperation of the pivotal action of the first pivotal members
40 and the second pivotal members 42 allows a user or exerciser to
advance the handles 80 or other engaging means through a wide range
of motions and in particular allows the handles 80 or other
engaging means to be simultaneously advanced through a range of
motions each having a vertical component and a horizontal
component. The engaging means may be advanced through various
linear motions including vertically and horizontally as well as
circular and arcuate motions. The ability to advance the engaging
means through a wide range of motions allows a user to perform a
wide range of exercises with the weight-lifting machine 1.
The telescoping beam members 44 function as stop means and
resistance means to provide greater control to a user in advancing
the engaging means by restricting the range of pivotal motion of
the second pivotal members 42 and providing resistance to the
rotation of the second pivotal members 42 about the second set of
pivot points 70. The telescoping beam members 44 are pivotally
connected at one end thereof to respective vertical support members
22 in spaced relation below the first pivotal members 40, and the
telescoping beam members 44 are pivotally connected at an opposite
end thereof to a lower end of the upper arms 64 of respective
second pivotal members 42. The telescoping beam members 44 extend
in planar and parallel alignment from the vertical support members
22 to the second pivotal members 42.
The telescoping beam members 44 each includes an outer sleeve
member 85 and an extension member 86 slidably receivable within the
outer sleeve member 85 so as to be telescopically advanceable
therewith. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the outer sleeve members 85 of the first telescoping beam members
44 are pivotally connected to respective vertical support members
22 by connecting flanges 95, and the extension members 86 of the
telescoping beam members 44 are pivotally connected to the
respective second pivotal members 4 by connecting flanges 96. A
fifth cross member 74 extends between the outer sleeve members 85
of the telescoping beam members 44 in perpendicular alignment
therewith. It is foreseen that the extension members 86 of the
telescoping beam members 44 may be pivotally connected to
respective vertical support members 22. The frictional resistance
created by the extension members 86 sliding within the outer sleeve
members 85 provides resistance to the pivoting of the second
pivotal members 42 about the second horizontal axis so as to
increase the control of the user over such pivoting action.
The extension members 86 of the telescoping members 44 are each
retractable to a completely retracted position wherein an abutting
edge 100 of the connecting flange 96 engages an open end edge 101
of a respective outer sleeve member 85 of a respective telescoping
member 44. The abutment of the abutting edge 100 against the open
end edge 101 serves as stop means preventing the second pivotal
members 42 from being further rotated towards the vertical support
structure 4.
When the extension members 86 of the telescoping members 44 are
retracted into the completely retracted position, the upper arms 64
of the second pivotal members 42 generally extend vertically such
that respective first pivotal members 40, upper arms 64 of the
respective second pivotal members 42, respective telescoping
members 44 and portions of respective vertical support members 22
between respective first pivotal members 40 telescoping members 44
generally form a parallelogram. When the upper arms 64 of the
second pivotal members 42 extend vertically, the lower arms 65
thereof are angled downwardly generally towards the front 10 of the
base 2.
From the fully retracted position, the extension members 86 of the
telescoping members 44 may be telescopically advanced out of the
outer sleeve members 85 as the second pivotal members 42 are
pivotally advanced about the second horizontal axis and generally
away from the upright support structure 3. Each of a pair of stops
105 extends from the first pivotal member 40 into a rotational path
of the second pivotal members 42. The stops 105 are positioned so
as to engage the second pivotal members 42 when the second pivotal
members 42 are rotated to a position such that further rotation
would greatly reduce the leverage a user would have to advance the
second pivotal members 42 back towards a vertical alignment. In the
preferred embodiment of the invention, the stops 105 are positioned
such that the upper arm 64 of the second pivotal members 42 are
engaged and prevented from rotating more than 150.degree. with
respect to the portion of the first pivotal members 40 extending
towards the upright support structure 3.
Position locking means such as locking pins 107 are operable to
lock the extension members 86 of the telescoping beam members 44 in
the completely retracted position or in various degrees of
extension. A first bore hole 108 extends through the outer sleeve
member 85 of the telescoping beam members 44 at an end thereof
spaced away from the upright support structure 3. Alignable bore
holes 109 extend through the extension members 86 in spaced
relation such that the independently alignable bore holes 109 are
alignable with the first bore holes 108.
To lock the telescoping beam members 44 in a particular extension
position, the extension members 86 are slidingly advanced to the
desired extension position and then slight adjustments as to
extension are made until an alignable bore hole 109 in each
extension member 86 is aligned with the first bore hole 108 in each
outer sleeve member 85. The locking pins 107 are then inserted
through the first bore holes 108 and the alignable bore holes 109
so as to prevent axial motion of the extension members 86 within
the outer sleeve members 85. The looking pins 107 may be secured to
the outer sleeve members 85 by a connector such as a chain 110 and
the locking pins 107 when not in use may be held out of the way by
a hook 111.
The weight-lifting machine 1 further includes weight support means
such as weight support posts 115 secured to the pivotal,
telescoping framework 4 in spaced relation to the first set of
pivot points 54. The weight support posts 115 are adapted to
removably receive circular weighted discs or weights 116 having a
post receiving aperture 117 extending therethrough. As shown in
FIG. 1 a weight support post 115 extends perpendicularly to and
generally vertically away from the fourth cross member 60. A weight
support post 110 also extends perpendicularly and horizontally away
from each of the first pivotal members 40. The engaging means may
also function as weight support means wherein weights 116 would be
removably securable to ends of engaging means such as barbells 81,
curl bars or handles 80. It is foreseeable that additional weight
support posts 115 may be positioned in different positions on the
pivotal, telescoping framework 4.
The weight of the pivotal, telescoping framework 4, causes the
pivotal, telescoping framework 4 to naturally pivot or rotate
downward towards the base 2. Each of a pair of spring loaded shock
absorbers 122 is pivotally secured at one end to a respective first
pivotal member 40 and at an opposite end to a respective base
member 14. The spring loaded shock absorbers 122 prevent the first
pivotal members 40 from rotating or pivoting below a predetermined
level and maintain the lower arms 65 of the second pivotal members
42 a minimum distance above the base 2. The lower ends of the lower
arms 65 are preferably maintained at least a foot above the base
2.
As shown in FIG. 6, the spring loaded shock absorbers 122 generally
comprise a cylindrical rod 125 slidingly received within a
cylindrical tube 126. A lower end 127 of each cylindrical tube 126
is pivotally secured to respective base members 14 by a bottom
pivot pin 128. An upper end 129 of each cylindrical rod 125 is
pivotally secured to a respective first pivotal members 40 by a top
pivot pin 130. A coil spring 131 is secured to a lower end 132 of
the cylindrical rod 125 in axial alignment. The coil spring 131 and
the cylindrical rod 125 extend within the cylindrical tube 126. A
cylindrical plug 133 is positioned within the cylindrical tube 126
just above the bottom pivot pin 128.
The coil spring 131 is not secured to the cylindrical plug 133 or
the cylindrical tube 126 such that the cylindrical rod 125 and the
coil spring 131 freely slide upward Within the cylindrical tube 126
when a user engages the engaging means so as to advance the first
pivotal members 40 in a generally upward arcuate motion. When the
user releases the engaging means with the pivotal telescoping
framework 4 in a raised position, the coil springs 131 within the
spring loaded shock absorbers 122 dampen the fall of the pivotal
telescoping framework 4.
The weight-lifting machine 1 allows a user to perform a wide range
of exercises. As shown in FIG. 3, the user may stand on the base
plate 18 facing a front of the weight-lifting machine 1,
corresponding to the front 10 of the base 2, and then engage the
engaging means secured to the second pivotal members 42 and advance
the engaging means through a curling motion or a straight up and
down motion as in a military press. In such a position the user may
also advance the engaging means away from his or her body in an
upwardly angled motion. Such a motion would be extremely difficult
with a free weight system.
The user may position a bench (not shown) on the base plate 18 and
advance the engaging means vertically while laying on the bench so
as to perform a bench press. While laying on the bench, with his or
her head positioned away from the machine, the user may push
against the fourth cross member 60 so as to exercise the his or her
legs. Further exercises may be performed with the user standing
between the first pivotal members 40 and the telescoping beam
members 44. Positioned therebetween, the user may face the rear of
the weight-lifting machine, corresponding to the rear 11 of the
base 2, and engage the engaging means such as a barbell 81 (not
shown) with the back of his or her leg and advance the barbell
through various motions with the legs. A padded yoke (not shown)
may also be secured within the apertures 75 to allow the user to
perform squats.
It is foreseen that various attachments may be developed for the
machine allowing the user to perform additional exercises. For
example, it is foreseen that a yoke attachment might be secured to
the ends 72 of the first pivotal members 40 so as to allow the user
to perform squats. A dip bar or a chinup bar might be attached to
the upright support structure 3. Similarly a weight and pulley
system might be incorporated into the upright support structure
3.
It is foreseen that various materials may be used to construct the
weight lifting machine. Such materials are preferably lightweight
but strong. Chomalloy metal alloy is a preferred material of
construction for the weight lifting machine.
It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present
invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to
be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described
and shown.
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